Topic: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Opinion: Smoking gun in West, Texas, fertilizer blast: lack of government oversight

While the cause of the blast in West, Texas, is still undetermined, what is clear is that the West Fertilizer Company stored large quantities of reactive products in the middle of a small town with little state or federal oversight. Citizens must be empowered to act when regulators don't.

Why did West, Texas, build homes and a school next to a 'time bomb'?

The town of West, Texas, and the West Fertilizer Company grew and prospered together. But profit motives, a sense of civic trust and Catch-22 zoning laws failed to recognize the danger brought to light when the plant exploded this week with the force of a small nuclear bomb.

Disneyland Space Mountain shut down over safety issues (+video)

Disneyland Space Mountain was closed over the weekend after Disneyland was cited by CalOSHA for employee safety violations. In addition to Space Mountain, two other rides were closed at Disneyland.

2 Navy divers drowned at Maryland test pond

Three divers died earlier this year at the Army installation about 20 miles northeast of Baltimore, spokesman Bruce Goldfarb said.

Child labor: Farming parents defend putting children to work

The US Labor Department has dropped its plans to regulate child labor on farms. The rules, say some farmers, did not reflect the reality on farms where children grow up learning about the dangers of equipment.

On the Economy The economy is improving whether conservatives like it or not

Conservatives who would like to bash Obama on the economy are having an awfully hard time right now, as the recovery proceeds apace.

Letters to the Editor – Weekly Issue of October 31, 2011

Readers write in with ideas on job creation.

Triangle Shirtwaist fire: Why it inspires plays and poetry readings 100 years later

A defining moment of labor history, the deadly fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York remains a powerful touchstone even after 100 years.

Broadway's accident-prone 'Spider-Man': Will it be worth the trouble?

The web of misfortune is spreading for 'Spider-Man.' A stunt double is hospitalized; performances are canceled; officials are investigating; and on Broadway, rumbles of anger are getting louder.

Legacy of the BP spill: What's a reputation worth?

The BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused a public outcry and savaged BP's share price. Image repair won't be easy.

What's the best way to promote safer, cleaner energy?

Dependence on foreign oil, the energy economy, the environment, new technology – they all factor into the debate over America's energy future. So what's the best path forward?

Steel plant explosion in Pittsburgh area hurts 15

Steel plant explosion injured 15 workers, at least two critically, and caused a fire that burned for hours afterward.

Top five bottlenecks in the Gulf oil spill response

Local officials complain about lack of urgency in the federal Gulf oil spill response. Here are five reasons that the government seems to be dragging its heels.

Crane collapse trial for NYC rigger set to open

The crane collapse trial for William Rapetti, a New York rigger, will attempt to determine responsibility for the deadly March 2008 collapse of a 200-foot crane in New York City.

ABB shooting: Economy may play role in workplace violence

Timothy Hendron killed four coworkers and himself in the ABB shooting in St. Louis Thursday. He was involved in a lawsuit against the company regarding a dispute over retirement benefits.

Manufacturers say they knew of FEMA trailer health risks